02 February 2012

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After reading the incredible story Baker Towers by Jennifer Haigh, it seemed fitting to be in the mountains of Virginia. Granted, the book took place in the mountains of Pennsylvania, but I was daydreaming about history, and trying to envision what the area looked like seventy years ago.

As you may know, I've been traveling for work quite a bit. I was in Dallas last week, and this Monday I had a meeting four hours west of Virginia Beach in the Salem/Roanoke area in Southwestern Virginia. (Which of course meant listening to an audio book...)

I know, I know. Never take pictures while you're driving, and especially when you're driving in the mountains. About twelve years ago, I drove the Blue Ridge Mountain Parkway at night, and let me tell you that the little metal guardrail is not a reassuring sight when eighteen-wheelers are blowing past you and you're at a few thousand feet elevation. White-knuckle driving that night. I gripped that steering wheel so hard that my back, neck and shoulders felt like I did an intense upper body workout the next day. Thankfully for this trip, the area of Virginia I was traveling through was not as frightening, but was beautiful. I can only imagine what it will look like in the next couple of months for the springtime and I can't wait to return.

I wish I had taken more pictures. Next time, I promise. I'll stop at the designated scenic view spot. I missed the road to pull off for it this time, and I was not going to cut anyone off. I mean, it is the mountains.

Oh my goodness, my first time in the mountains EVER was a couple years ago when I had to go to Banner Elk, NC for work. And I had to drive by myself from the airport through the mountains at night. It was a terrifying experience!! But I, too, managed to get some pictures later during the day. ;)

I have never seen the mountains before, and it's something that I long to experience. I would have loved to have been stowed away in your backseat so that I could have experienced it! Great post today!